December 3, 2025Dec 3 Photo courtesy of Manila Bulletin A significant literacy crisis affects Filipino students in Grades 1 to 3, with only 15% achieving grade-level reading proficiency. This was highlighted during the National Literacy Conference in Quezon City on December 2. EDCOM 2 Executive Director Karol Mark Yee revealed that 85% of these early-grade learners struggle with reading, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation. Widespread literacy challenges are most prevalent in Regions VIII, IX, and XII. Key obstacles include a lack of resources, inadequate teacher training, and limited parental engagement. EDCOM 2 calls for urgent measures, such as providing more reading materials, enhancing teacher skills, and involving parents in home-based reading activities. Policy support and community participation are essential to bridging the literacy gap, reported Manila Bulletin. Key Takeaways Only 15% of Grades 1-3 students in the Philippines read at grade level. Major challenges include insufficient resources and teacher training. Urgent interventions and community involvement are needed to improve literacy. Click here for more Philippine stories Adapted by ASEAN Now from Manila Bulletin 2025-12-03
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